Tragic Incident in High Tatras
A 41-year-old Hungarian tourist lost his life in Slovakia's High Tatras mountains on Friday, October 24, 2025, after being swept away by a flooded mountain stream. The incident occurred in the morning when the man attempted to cross the Malý Studený stream near Téry's Hut, under Veľký Hang. Heavy rainfall had caused the stream to swell significantly, leading to the fatal accident.
Challenging Rescue Operation
The Slovak mountain rescue services (HZS) were immediately dispatched to locate the missing tourist. However, adverse weather conditions, including treacherous terrain and difficult visibility, severely hindered the rescue efforts. Rescuers were unable to deploy a helicopter due to these conditions.
Despite the challenges, the search operation involved a combination of resources:
- Drone technology
- Mobile phone tracking
- Assistance from Polish rescue teams, specifically the Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR)
- Search dogs (deployed on the second day)
- Input from eyewitnesses
The search was temporarily halted at nightfall on October 24 as conditions worsened. It resumed early on Saturday, October 25.
Discovery of the Body and Official Response
The body of the Hungarian tourist was ultimately located on the morning of October 25, after the water levels of the Malý Studený stream had receded. The Slovak mountain rescue service (HZS) expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. They also extended gratitude to the Slovak army, their Polish colleagues, and the staff at Téry's Hut for their crucial assistance during the operation.
Mountain Safety Warning
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with mountain hiking, particularly when weather conditions are unpredictable. The HZS consistently advises hikers to be well-prepared for sudden changes in weather, to respect natural barriers such as swollen streams, and to take all necessary precautions to ensure safety. October in the High Tatras often brings winter conditions, including snow and ice at higher elevations, emphasizing the need for appropriate gear and caution.
5 Comments
Donatello
Seriously, check weather forecasts before hiking.
Leonardo
It's truly heartbreaking to hear of this loss, and the rescuers did an amazing job under impossible conditions. However, hikers must understand that even experienced teams face limits when nature turns so violent.
Michelangelo
This highlights why preparation is absolutely essential.
eliphas
Heartbreaking, my thoughts are with the family.
paracelsus
My deepest condolences go out to the family, and the coordinated rescue effort was commendable. Yet, it also makes you wonder if enough is being done to educate foreign tourists specifically about the unique and sudden dangers of these specific mountain ranges.